News

Robert Sylvester, dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts (FPA), has announced his decision to leave the dean's position to return to the faculty ranks. Barbara Sestak, associate vice provost for Research and Sponsored Projects has accepted the appointment as interim dean and Nancy Koroloff, professor in the Graduate School of Social Work, will take over Sestak's former position.

Serving as dean since 1997, Sylvester, a professor of music, has worked to enhance the mission of the School of Fine and Performing Arts, to strengthen Portland's cultural community by providing professional training and education in the performing and visual arts in partnership with the region's working artists and cultural institutions. Currently on sabbatical, Sylvester will return to PSU as a faculty member in the 2006-07 academic year.

"The time I have already spent on sabbatical, coupled with my experience this past summer, brings me to the difficult decision that I wish to continue my academic career as a faculty member," said Sylvester. "While I have enjoyed the challenges of being a dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts, I am now ready to return to my roots within the arts in a new phase of my career working with students and faculty members."

Barbara Sestak will assume the role of interim dean for the remainder of the year while the University conducts a national search. Former associate vice provost for Research and Sponsored Projects in the Office of Graduate Studies and Research, Sestak brings a rich array of experience to the position, including appointments as chair of Art, chair of Architecture, associate dean of FPA and interim dean of FPA in 1996-1997.

Nancy Koroloff, professor in the Graduate School of Social Work and director of the Regional Research Institute (RRI) will assume the new role as associate vice provost for Research and Sponsored Projects. Koroloff has been a full-time faculty member at PSU since 1977 and director of the RRI since 1998. She has played an active role on the Research Advisory Council and was selected this past year as the recipient of the Branford Price Millar Award.

"Nancy brings a great set of skills to the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects," says Bill Feyerherm, vice provost for Research and dean of Graduate Studies. "Over the past decade she has personally been associated with over $13 million in sponsored activities, in addition to her duties as the director of the Regional Research Institute. She has particular skills in bringing people together, a skill that will be critical as we move forward to implement the commitments made by the administration to address research support infrastructure issues at PSU."

School of Fine and Performing Arts
The mission of Portland State University's School of Fine and Performing Arts is to strengthen Portland's extended cultural community by providing outstanding professional training and education in the performing and visual arts in partnership with the region's working artists and cultural institutions.

With strong ties to community, culture and business, the School of Fine and Performing Arts at PSU is the region's primary institution for preparing talented young people for leadership in creative careers. Located in the heart of Portland, the school's faculty and students provide a significant cultural trust for the Northwest, with scores of concerts, workshops, lectures and exhibitions throughout the year. The School consists of the Departments of Art, Architecture, Music and Theater Arts.

Office of Graduate Studies and Research
The Office of Graduate Studies oversees the more than 70 master's degree programs and 11 doctoral programs at PSU; over 1,500 graduate degrees were awarded in 2004-2005. The Office is the principal resource for students and faculty regarding advanced degree requirements, degree status, petition procedures, thesis and dissertation preparation, and final oral examinations. The Office monitors the academic standing of admitted graduate students and the eligibility of graduate assistants.

The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) works to provide support for faculty research, instruction and service activities at Portland State University by promoting and facilitating the acquisition of funds from private and governmental organizations. The staff assists researchers in all stages of grant development and submission, from identifying funding opportunities and developing budget and cost proposals, to assuring compliance on human subjects and animal care issues, to negotiating workable terms on grants and contracts. Last year's research expenditures for the University totaled over $35 million.

For Immediate Release (#05-155)

Source:Michael Driscoll (503-725-3419)
Vice Provost, Academic Personnel & Budget, Academic Affairs